SCANDAL

Gerald spoke coolly, addressing Serena, "I'm speaking directly to you, Serena." His words sent chills down her spine, despite his composed demeanor. In response, she replied, trying to mask her fear with a calm voice, "I heard you the first time." For the first time, she appreciated the control her voice gave her. It concealed the anxiety she truly felt. As Gerald moved closer, looming over her, he gently lifted her chin with a finger, his piercing gaze locking onto hers. "Maintain eye contact when I speak to you," he commanded. Serena's fate had taken an unexpected turn. Originally, she was set to marry Gerald, a reluctant duke who had been avoiding the responsibilities that come with marriage. Their first encounter left her captivated, hoping for mutual affection. However, tragedy struck when she was brutally assaulted mere days before their wedding, leaving her unable to fulfill the marital bond. Gerald, initially resistant to the union, found himself trapped by his mother's decision. He despised his bride at first, planning to dissolve the marriage soon after. Yet, as time passed, he began to notice subtle details about her that he hadn't before. Both Serena and Gerald harbored unspoken secrets, creating tension within their marriage. The question loomed: could love bridge the gap between them, or would their union become a recipe for disaster? To discover the answer, one must continue reading.